Inpatient rehab Thailand.

[Whistledown2]

Does anyone have any experience of this? I have been looking at UK rehab centres and the prices are eye watering, it appears due to the low cost of living in Thailand, these centres can provide quality rehab at a much lower cost, even after travel expenses.

I am looking for my son who has a drug addiction.

@fluffiphlox I’ve heard this said many times. My son isn’t ready. He will relapse and I can’t afford this let alone another one!

I’ve been in AA many years and have encountered people who’ve been to rehab facilities all over the world as well as in the UK. Equally many of us got sober with AA. You don’t have to believe in God - just in something more powerful than you. Some people use the acronym GOD as Group Of Drunks or Great Out Doors. What you need is the gift of desperation and wanting sobriety as much as you once craved the substance you’re addicted to. Without that, the most expensive rehab in the world cannot assist.

Thank you. It was awful. Addiction is just awful no matter what happens. I'm so sorry you're going through this with your son.

After my experience with my mum and after reading a few books about addiction I came to the (very obvious) conclusion that you just can't force an addict to get clean. They really do have to want it themselves and want to do the work.

Your son may not be there yet but it doesn't mean he never will be

@ThewalrusandthecarpenterReading this thread has probably made the decision for me. I think it will be pure folly to send my unwilling son.

A very close family member had a drug addiction. They went to a uk rehab centre. I believe it worked for them as they were ready to make the change. I lived in Thailand and some of the resorts while not a rehab centre offer Muay Thai and I had issues with the my mental health and to be cut off from the world, working out on the other side of the world, was amazing in changing my perspective and outlook. Maybe a holiday like this would be a break away to make him see there’s more to life than what’s he’s doing. Feel free to dm if you want to know about the places I stayed. I know how hard it is to watch and suffer yourself through their pain and I really feel for you.

@KateKontent Thank you. I agree, addiction is so destructive. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

I have read so much literature. Fundamentally I know he’s not ready, I guess I was clutching at straws but the reality is very different.

@CareerChange24 I’m pleased to hear your family member was helped🙏🏼

I have spoken to my son about going somewhere ‘cut off’ from
the world. He’s not adventurous unfortunately and would soon succumb to what he regards as his ‘normal’. Your description of your surroundings sounds exactly what I think he’d benefit from though. I may discuss this with him. Thank you very much.

If you haven’t already I would encourage you to engage with Al Anon or a local group for family members of addicts. Trying to support someone with an addiction is really difficult and they can give you some support as well as a space to ask these type of questions/ share experiences, which you might find useful

The problem with going abroad for rehab is that most people have to come and live back in their world afterwards. Services in the UK can work with people around the need to change friendship groups, use your time differently, and build a life without drink and drugs, so the local services can be really important .

I know someone who went to one in South Africa and it was successful.

I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this, I have alcohol addiction in my family and so have a sense of how difficult it is for you.

You are obviously doing everything you can to try and help. For what it’s worth, I struggled for years, thinking of solutions, thinking “if only I do this/try harder etc etc.” I’m sure you know well what I mean.

Finally I went to Al Anon and learnt there I was powerless to do anything. I fought against it but eventually had to accept the concept. It was the most difficult, yet freeing thing that had happened to me. Sadly, it doesn’t take away all the fear and dread of the worry. But in finding support for myself, I was able to become less emeshed.

i would encourage you to do the same, using Facebook groups or any other groups you can. There’s a certain type of support you get from people who know exactly what you’re going through.

If you’re son isn’t ready, it’s hard to do anything, but I have heard good things about some of the Thai rehab places. Particularly the ones run by monks there. There was a TV show about one I think.

i do hope that things work out for you

The chap i know who was an addict went to a Christian run place, they make them work in the fields or in craft workshops - he was really skeptical but it worked and he became eligible for liver transplant which he’s now had 2 years ago, he’s 7 years clean now. The programme he went to was long, very much about a healthy lifestyle and they weren’t forced to attend church but there was a lot of Christian volunteers

I know two people who went to South Africa, both still sober more than a decade on. It was life changing for them.

@Disasterclass I attended some zoom
meetings with Famanon and though everyone was lovely, it was just sharing and no real space to talk. I also called Al anon and was told I may not be accepted into a group as it was alcohol and not drugs.

@Intsywintsyspider thank you for your experience. I too refer back to step 1, that I’m powerless, like you say it’s kind of liberating but the fear is still very present. I am struggling. At present trying to detach emotionally (failing epically) and focusing on the practicalities (debts/rehab etc). This thread has been a great help to me.

@intrepidgiraffe A few posters have also said this.

@mamagogo1 I think because my son isn’t ready yet he would struggle with this concept. It sounds amazing I have to say and wish he would engage.

@murasaki A fair few now recommending SA.

Disasterclass · Today 17:19
The problem with going abroad for rehab is that most people have to come and live back in their world afterwards. Services in the UK can work with people around the need to change friendship groups, use your time differently, and build a life without drink and drugs, so the local services can be really important.

Yes but when the addict returns to UK he can go to N.A. meetings in his neighbourhood where he will quickly make friends.

A friend of mine went to rehab in Thailand. Had a very positive experience

I'm so sorry you are going through this, I been through it with my son and my friend has a daughter who is addicted to drugs, she did everything to 'fix' her which included throwing money at the problem, supervising her to the point she was a prisoner in the house, full control of bank accounts, everything you name it. None of it worked and the subterfuge and lying became worse. In the end the only thing that worked was cutting her loose, no more engagement or money. Eventually she sought help and went into rehab. Two years clean now. I

Whilst they are being enabled they will say anything that you want to hear.

I am following as I am thinking about this for my son who has the same issues. Much love to you OP.

Maybe suggest SMART recovery online meetings to your DS? He could just listen if reluctant to open up. The approach is very different from AA. I think there may be family meetings as well.

OP, I am very grateful to you that you posted as I’ve been really struggling with the reality of loving an addict. I know there’s nothing more I can do in a way, but I love him and it’s killing me inside. The fear of losing him. The fear of failing.
This evening I feel less alone. I am crying typing this. Thank you. I am so sorry you are going through this too.

@MaggieBsBoat I’m glad this thread has brought you some comfort, it certainly has for me. My fear is also of losing my son, it is with me (lurking) every minute of the day. Addiction isolated the addict but also loved ones, because if you haven’t experienced this then you’ve no idea of the loneliness it brings. I am also sorry you are in this situation too. Feel free to DM anytime.